City officials are discussing the merits of an ordinance that would require property owners to clear snow from sidewalks. No such ordinance is on the books, according to City Manager Patrick Urich.

"I think we'll have discussions with the City Council about it," he said. "Some members are very interested in this because they've recognized it's a hazard to see people walking on the street rather than walking on the sidewalk."

That was a common sight around Peoria after more than six inches of snow fell last weekend.

Public Works Director Mike Rogers is researching what other communities in the area and of Peoria's size require regarding sidewalk shoveling, Urich said. The city manager said such ordinances are not uncommon.

Urich said he believed a snow-shoveling ordinance had been discussed in the past. But Eric Turner, who has been a council member almost 20 years, begged to differ.

"We've never talked about it," the at-large councilman said.

Turner said sidewalks should be shoveled, particularly in high-traffic areas. But he also said a legal requirement to do so might not be a good idea.

"People would say, 'I don't want to clean it off, I don't have anybody to clean it off for me, I've got a bad back,' or something like that," Turner said.

"You don't want to get into a situation where you're trying to force people to do things that they probably can't do because of health issues or some other issues."

No new legislation appears imminent. But Turner and Urich suggested it's a debate-worthy topic.

"Fundamentally, the other issue is it becomes a cost issue, of who's responsible for care, maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks," Urich said. "Ultimately, all taxpayers and citizens are."

Nick Vlahos can be reached at 686-3285 or nvlahos@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @VlahosNick.